An item forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in a mansion, originally named Illapa, at 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937), his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948) and their children. George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.This garment is part of a collection of women’s clothing, owned and worn by Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge) - born in Clare, South Australia 1867, died Kew 1948 - and also by her daughter. The garments date from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection includes day dresses, evening dresses, evening coats, capes, and undergarments. As the wife and daughter of a mine manager, the collection includes representative examples of clothing worn by upper middle class Australian women in domestic circumstances, and at social and civic events. A number of the costumes from the 1920s to the 1930s are of a particularly fine quality, being both rare, representative and intact examples of Australian fashion of the period. The garments in the Weir Collection were donated to the Kew Historical Society by a granddaughter of Edith Weir in 2017.Pale blue, floral cotton full-length peignoir, comprised of overlapping gathered layers of chiffon. The sleeves are lined and the bodice has a lace yoke. (Measurements: Length 140, Shoulder 36, Chest 102, Waist N/A centimetres)edith mary weir (nee betteridge), illapa -- 84 princess street -- kew (vic.), women's clothing, weir collection, peignoirs

Made for and worn by Jeanette Margaret Bennett at her wedding at Uniting Church, Riversdale Road, Wattle ParkWhite chiffon 1978 round neck line dress with high waist, long sleeves; with cuff and six covered buttons. Hem line and neck trimmed with satin. Dress lined with satin underskirt. See also 3597., Wedding Veilcostume, female ceremonial

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Pink sequinned taffeta, halter neck, full-length sheath, and a low back with two pink chiffon drops from back to floor. The dress was worn by Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) in live performances in the 1960s.performing arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, performance costumes, floor show dresses

This item is part of the Di Reidie collection. Diane Reidie was a much loved volunteer and President of Brighton Historical Society from 1999 until 2016. Originally from New Zealand, Di and her family lived in Male Street, Brighton for many years. A vibrant and energetic person with a zest for life and a gift for bringing people together, Di was a friend to many in the Bayside community and active in local community organisations. Her tireless work as President of BHS saw her named Bayside Citizen of the Year in 2008. As a seller and collector of vintage clothing, she was passionate about fashion history; one of her many enduring contributions to BHS was her extensive work in preserving, developing and promoting the Society's costume collection. In 2018-19, Di donated more than one hundred items from her personal vintage clothing collection to the Society. The collection, which includes clothing, hats, handbags and shoes from local and international designers, is representative of Di's wide-ranging interests, colourful personality, creativity, humour and love of fashion and travel. Of all the items Di donated to the Society, this four-piece Easton Pearson outfit was her favourite. When she bought it around 1997-98, it was the first time she had spent a large amount of money on clothing, and she thought it only fitting to throw a suitably elegant party at which to wear it. James Cameron's hit movie 'Titanic' had just been released, and upon discovering the recipe book 'Last Dinner On the Titanic: Menus and Recipes from the Great Liner', Di was inspired to host a Titanic-themed party for her friends. Held at her home in Brighton in 1998, the event included a string quartet, an eleven-course meal prepared entirely by Di, and a life boat in the backyard swimming pool.A four piece outfit consisting of a blouse/cardigan, camisole, skirt and wrap. Double-layered silk wrap with an outer layer of silk chiffon. Both ends feature and embroidered band of brown and black cotton, copper wire, and copper glass beads. Camisole of black and copper shot polyester rayon with wide shoulder straps and small shoulder pads. Blouse of brown silk chiffon, with a v-neck and eleven silk-covered buttons and loops at centre front. Patch pockets over front hip and full length sleeves. The neckline and sleeve edges are trimmed with copper-coloured glass beads. Full-length double-layered straight skirt with black and copper shot polyester rayon lining and silk chiffon overskirt. The skirt secures centre back with a nylon zip and botton closure. The skirt features a centre front embroidered panel of brown and black cotton leaf and flower motifs, with copper wire and copper glass beads. manufacturer's label: "Oh! Easton Pearson", "Pure Silk", "Polyester Rayon", Care label, "M"costume party, titanic, easton pearson, pamela easton, lydia pearson, australian fashion, di reidie, 1990s

Bright pink ball gown , with lace sleeves and floating panel. Long straight pink satin dress with lace sleeves and scoop neck. Princess line with lace under the bodice and across the back. Long back zip and a pleated chiffon attached train.Black label across the top 2 inches x 1 inch.ball gown, reid family

Long flowery gown -pink flowers with black background. Long bright pink 'sash'. Long sleeves. Kimono style. Long princess line, pink, black and white floral dress with V neckline. A fine cotton material with a bright pink chiffon sash.Tag: "Snazzi" "Follow the Dot with Dash" "Sydney"ball gown, reid family

This was the wedding dress worn by Mrs Jessie McKinnon (nee Campbell). It has been made for riding side-saddle. Only highly-skilled tailors could produce the complex skirt required for riding side-saddle. It had to curve neatly over the rider’s knees.This dress reflects the fashion of the early 20th century as well as the needlecraft skills of the women at that time.A hand-made, long-sleeved wedding dress of beige satin. It is tapered at the waist and covered buttons from the collar to the waist. There are bows on the wrist. There is fringing at the waist and it is ankle length. There is a huge pocket on the left hand side. There are box pleats at ankle length and a frill of chiffon at the bottom.costume-female handcrafts-dressmaking dress-wedding

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Turquoise chiffon and taffeta evening dress, with empire waistline and beading to the neck and waist. The gown was purchased in 1967 from Oggi of Collins Street and worn by the donor’s mother, Mrs Ada Wallis, to the Miss Teenage of Victoria award ceremony at the Melbourne Town Hall, as the mother of a participant.evening dresses, women's clothing, oggi - 103-105 collins street - melbourne (vic), miss teenage of victoria quest, australian fashion - 1960s, evening wear, oggi, desley reid

An item forming part of a collection of costumes, photographs and documents relating to the Weir family who lived in a mansion, originally named Illapa, at 84 Princess Street, Kew, from c.1917 to 1950. This historically significant collection includes items relating to both George Weir (1866-1937), his wife Edith Mary Weir (1867-1948) and their children. George Weir attained national prominence in the mining industry, becoming General Manager of the North Broken Hill Silver Mining Company in 1903 (later renamed North Broken Hill Mining Company 1905-12, and North Broken Hill Ltd 1912-1988), and subsequently President of the Mine Owners Association. He was to remain General Manager of North Broken Hill Ltd until his retirement in 1926.This garment is part of a collection of women’s clothing, owned and worn by Edith Mary Weir (nee Betteridge) - born in Clare, South Australia 1867, died Kew 1948 - and also by her daughter. The garments date from the 1880s to the 1930s. The collection includes day dresses, evening dresses, evening coats, capes, and undergarments. As the wife and daughter of a mine manager, the collection includes representative examples of clothing worn by upper middle class Australian women in domestic circumstances, and at social and civic events. A number of the costumes from the 1920s to the 1930s are of a particularly fine quality, being both rare, representative and intact examples of Australian fashion of the period. The garments in the Weir Collection were donated to the Kew Historical Society by a granddaughter of Edith Weir in 2017.Very fine, silk short-sleeved evening dress, comprised of a shift of silk crepe de chine covered by a layer of chiffon, heavily embroidered with pink sequins. While one or two strands of sequins have come adrift, the overall structure is intact and in excellent condition. flapper dresses, evening wear, dance frocks, weir collection

The dress belonged to donor's mother or grandmother.Multi coloured blue chiffon dress, with splashes of pink, yellow and white flowers, shaped bodice, V-neckline, eight covered buttons down front, and four panel flared skirt and puffed short sleeves. Mauve Rayon under slip. A line and shoulder straps to be worn with dress.costume, female

Dress worn by Kathy in 1965 to a ballroom dancing championship. Made by her mother, Muriel. In 2000 the dress was worn by daughter, Meg for her year 7 formal.New scarf and gloves worn by Meg. Brooch worn with the dress in 1965.The dress spans three generations. Ballroom dancing was an important social activity at the timeOff the shoulder full length sheath sleeveless dress of more velvet shot with blue lurex. Worn with black chiffon scarf fixed with diamete bow-shaped brooch on shoulder. Shoulder length black stretch satin gloves with original packet. Four items make up the outfit Gloves: Dents one size made in Hong Kongsewing

Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Black silk chiffon or georgette loose-fitted evening capelet, decorated with a wide border of silvred sequins. Sequins are also used in the body of the cape, either individually or in circles. The capelet was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her granddaughter. women's clothing, evening wear, evening dresses, capes, susan barnett, doris bennett (nee wilmott)

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Blue brocade, halter neck, full-length sheath, with two blue chiffon drops from back to floor. The dress was worn by Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) in live performances in the 1960s, including on the Don Lane Show, and in Sydney in 1966 in a program that included Johnny Ray.performing arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, performance costumes, floor show dresses

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Royal blue sequinned lace with taffeta lining, halter neck, full-length sheath with blue chiffon drops from back to floor. The dress was worn by Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) in live performances in the 1960s, including as Guest Artist, Wentworth Hotel Police Association Ball, Sydney, 1966.performing arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, performance costumes, floor show dresses

Unknown provenance.Coffee-coloured cotton and chiffon evening gown. Net yoke with vertical pintucks and high neck. Pintucked bodice. Trim of meadering cream cord bordered on either side, around yoke, waist, shoulders, cuffs and down centre of skirt. Printed on interior of bodice: "Professional & Civil Service Supply Association / 80 George Street Edinburgh".Printed on interior of bodice: "Professional & Civil Service Supply Association / 80 George Street Edinburgh".1900s

Louris Holly Larsen-Disney married Percy James White at Melbourne Grammar Chapel on 17 June 1948. In later years the dress was given to an opportunity shop and purchased by Mrs Landells of the Brighton Historical Society. Louris subsequently visited the Society and recognised her dress, and was able to provide BHS with information on it. Also in the Society's collection is a 1950s pink strapless silk chiffon dress worn by Louris, and a wedding photo of Louris taken at her mother and stepfather's home at 53 South Road, Brighton. The couple moved into a house just a few doors down, at 49 South Road.Wedding dress made from silver metallic thread crepe. Fastens down front with small self-covered buttons and loops. Long fitted sleeves fastened with 10 covered buttons and loops. Full bias cut skirt with train.wedding dress, 1940s fashion, louris holly white, percy james white, brighton

Two piece ivory satin evening dress. Bodice (.1) is decorated with central panel of finely pleated chiffon and embellished with ready-made strips of beading and artificial pearls. Short puffed sleeves. Russet coloured velvet band applied to waist of bodice and finished with a metal rosette. Plain gored satin skirt (.2) with cream velvet binding around hem. Label, printed grey on cream cotton, centre back bodice waist: Bussell, Robson & Bussell / MELBOURNE.evening dress, bussell robson & bussell, 1890s

Yellow evening dress of chiffon over taffeta fabric. Full length with short sleeves and round neckline. Empire line. Inverted pleats from bodice to hem at centre front reveal a panel insert (33cm), decorated with ribbon embroidery. Large fabric bow attached at bodice at top of inverted pleats. Sleeves decorated with ribbon embroidery 38cm zipper at centre back from neckline.costume, female, yellow evening gown

On 1 June 1901, the Australian Town and Country Journal reported that: "A few couples found time to marry during, or just after, the Royal visit. A pretty double wedding took place at Ivy Grange, Kew, the residence of the bride's father, on May 15, when Mr. Samuel Howell, eldest son of the late Richard Howell, of Chocolyn, Camperdown, became the husband of Miss Olive Wilhelmina Beath, fourth daughter of Mr. David Beath, and Mr. William Elder, second son of Mr. Nairne G. Elder, of Rokewood, espoused Miss Endora Anne Beath, fifth daughter of Mr. David Beath. The brides were dressed alike in white satin duchesse, with gathered satin and chiffon, transparent yokes and sleeves of chiffon, embroidered tulle veils, with coronet of orange blossom. The happy couples vary wisely chose different districts for their honeymoon trips, Mr. and Mrs. Howell visiting Lorne, while Mr. and Mrs. W Elder went off to the Blue Mountains, N.S.W. The two brides were attended by six bridesmaids, all dressed alike in gowns of white Indian lawn, with tucks and insertions of Valenciennes lace, sashes of white satin and instead of hats wore on their hair pretty wreaths of Parma violets, and carried shower bouquets of Parma violets tied with heliotrope ribbons." (Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1907), Saturday 1 June 1901, page 43)This work forms part of the collection assembled by the historian Dorothy Rogers, that was donated to the Kew Historical Society by her son John Rogers in 2015. The manuscripts, photographs, maps, and documents were sourced by her from both family and local collections or produced as references for her print publications. Many were directly used by Rogers in writing ‘Lovely Old Homes of Kew’ (1961) and 'A History of Kew' (1973), or the numerous articles on local history that she produced for suburban newspapers. Most of the photographs in the collection include detailed annotations in her hand. The Rogers Collection provides a comprehensive insight into the working habits of a historian in the 1960s and 1970s. Together it forms the largest privately-donated collection within the archives of the Kew Historical Society.Photograph and article from Punch (May 23 1901) of a double wedding at Ivy Grange of Olive Wilhelmina Beath and Endora Anne Beath. ivy grange, beath family

This afternoon dress belonged to Clara Johnstone Miller (nee Bell, 1866-1910). Clara was the only daughter of Mr James Bell, a councillor of the Shire of Leigh (today a part of Golden Plains Shire) and owner of Woolbrook Homestead in Teesdale, near Geelong. In 1888, Clara married prominent businessman, racehorse owner, racing identity and pastoralist Septimus Miller (1854-1925). Septimus was the sixth of seven children born to Henry 'Money' Miller and Eliza Miller (nee Mattinson). 'Money' Miller was a well known financier and politician and reputedly one of Australia's wealthiest people in his time. In 1889, Clara and Septimus moved into the house 'Cantala' in Dandenong Road, Caulfield. They had one child, Gwendoline Stewart Miller, who died in 1902 at the age of thirteen of diabetes - a largely untreatable condition at the time (insulin would not be discovered until 1921). Clara died in 1910, aged only 44. Septimus subsequently married Helen (nee Henderson), with whom he had a son, Ronald (1915-1990). The Millers were buried in the Brighton General Cemetery in a large Gothic-style vault. Upon Clara's death, Septimus sent much of her clothing and Gwendoline's to her mother Mary Bell. Some of these items were passed down to two of Clara's nieces, Miss Mary Bell and Mrs Lois Lillies, who donated them to BHS around 1973.A salmon (pale orange pink) corded silk afternoon dress with orange beaded embellishments, consisting of a bodice (.1) and skirt (.2) from c.1890. The bodice features a high standing collar with triple pleated bone silk chiffon trim along the top line, under the chin. This same chiffon is also secured in two pieces gathered and secured under the collar and and at the waist adding volume over the bust line and partially obscuring the jacket closing. The chiffon is secured at the side into the main fabric of the bodice by the beaded embellishment. The pink seed beads are sewn in lines of five beads one after the other creating a diagonal design that tapers from the shoulder to the waist. The bodice is boned around the front and back and secured down the centre font by nineteen hook and eyes and additional cotton tapes. Further beading details the bottom centre front and base line of the bodice. The shoulders have been repaired with replacement fabric to match, from our records it appears that the repair work was performed in circa 1974 but no record exists of the original shoulder design and if the repair was an exact copy of the original. The repaired shoulders feature a small frill around the shoulder yoke and top of the arm. The sleeve is fitted and three quarter finishing just below the elbow. The base of the sleeve is also trimmed with the pink bead design and bone three pleat chiffon trim. The back of the bodice features shaped panels contouring the jacket neatly in at the waist and then splitting and splaying out over the fullness of the skirt. The skirt appears to have been floor or ankle length held at the waist by a wide waistband. The skirt openings have been altered from the original currently featuring two openings secured by press studs. The skirt is gathered to the waistband at front and back creating fullness. The lower part of the skirt features the same pink bead embellishment and additional beaded flowers and diagonal point edge detail.clara miller, woolbrook, septimus miller, henry 'money' miller, gwendoline miller, cantala, 1890s fashion, caulfield, brighton general cemetery

exhibition, national gallery of victoria, ngv international, fashion, designer, dresses, black, chiffon, velvet

exhibition, national gallery of victoria, ngv international, fashion, designer, dresses, pink, chiffon, hot pink

Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Black silk chiffon or georgette fitted evening cape,let entirely covered in silver metal rectangles and black sequins. The cape gives the appearance of being joined at the front, however it is made in one piece. The cape has open scalloped sections bordering the lower band of silver metal rectangles. The cape was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. evening wear, capelets, doris bennett (nee wilmott), women's clothing

Long blue/pale green (or aqua) sleeveless gown with floating panels. Gloves are long and plain blue (or aqua). Bag has a chain and is made of the same material as the gown. Pale green embossed satin, short sleeves, long skirt. Fitted waist and bodice. Four gored skirt. Lined with taffeta. Scoop back with a chiffon tail. Matching satin long to the elbow gloves. Matching evening bag. Made of the same material and with a silver clasp.ball gown, reid family

dior, exhibition, national gallery of victoria, ngv international, fashion, designer, gowns, 1990s, 2000s, grey, chiffon

Small satin covered horseshoe, with a decorative frilled netting at front. Three 1.5cm ribbon bows are attached to the front. Three small chiffon “roses” and a wax orange blossom bud on a paper covered wire are attached to the front. Top of the horseshoe has once had a ribbon loop to carry over the bride’s arm, but this has been badly damaged. Part of wedding dress collection 11400.528, 11400.53029, 11400.530, 11400.531 Wedding dress worn at marriage of Barbara Johnson to her first husband Ian Bulte.costume, female ceremonial, wedding horse shoe

dior, exhibition, national gallery of victoria, ngv international, fashion, designer, gowns, 1990s, 2000s, charcoal, grey, chiffon

Merle made her own dress,as she had been a Home Economics Teacher, specializing in dressmaking. Dress is of silk chiffon, over tree bark satin, made on princess lines, with a Dior bow at the neckline. The brief sleeved bodice was cut with an oval neckline, trimmed with a flat bow. Fullness for the circular skirt was drawn to the back of the seven panel dress. A watteau pleat, train of embroidered nylon fell from high at the back of the bodice (refer 11400.493). A short tulle veil was held in place by a triple Dior bow. Skirt extends to a small train at back.Refer 11400.492.costume, female, wedding dress

Elizabeth Morrison, was born in 1874 and died in 1963, aged 89 years. She was the schoolteacher at Warrigal until she married the donor's grandfather and moved to Melbourne to take up residence with him. Her husband Edward was a porter on the train from Melbourne to Adelaide. Together they had three children: two boys and a girl. The donor's father was the youngest who was born in 1911.  The eldest son, Kenneth Morrison, was a Monsignor in the Catholic Church, and an Air Force Chaplain during the Second World War, while the daughter was a spinster who owned a few haberdashery and children’s clothing stores. The donor's father had a newsagency in Bridge Road, Richmond. He and his wife lived in Carson Street, Kew for about 50 years and had four children, two of whom were to become lawyers, another a surgeon and the final child social worker/family therapist. The donor's father lived until he was 100 years of age.The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.The costume, which may have been used as a mourning dress is comprised of a matching heavy black silk skirt and top. The styling of the short bodice is accentuated by pleating and by the use of spirals of Parisian jet (black glass beads) on the bodice and cuffs. Chiffon lace is attached to the cuffs and is of the period. The dress is made of silk damask with a woven design of joined lines and circles. The rigidity of the fitted bodice is achieved by the use of baleen and by a heavy striped cotton fabric. The wide skirt, in contrast, has a stiffened brown cotton lining. There is a small insertion on the inside of the bodice that may have been used for a watch. The dress is in excellent condition. elizabeth morrison, australian fashion - 1890s, women's clothing

Debra Jarred only daughter of Rex and Joan Jarred, of Broughton, married John Barber second son of Basil and Val Barber of Nhill, on 8 March 1980, at the Uniting Church, Broughton.Nhill family wedding; representing style of wedding dresses in 1980Wedding dress made by Cassandra Gowns; shoe string strap daisy lace bodice, with stand up collar of daisy lace and pleated skirt, elegantly covered with a cuffed long sleeve blouse, over skirt & belt of chiffon, flowing graceful soft train, finishing with a head-dress decorated in daisies attached to a long fine silk net veil.(2007.01.1) - Bouquet of white silk roses & ribbon(2007.01.2); white high heal lattice toe shoes with delicate ankle strap (2007.01.3), Blue lace garter & assorted crocheted bells, horse-shoe, and slippers, of satin ribbon (2007.01.4)daisy lace trim on cuffs and necklinewedding dress, 1980, broughton, debra jarred, debbie jarred, john barber, uniting church, rex & joan jarred, basil & val barber], nhill